How To Use A Swim Pace Clock | Keeping Time When Swimming

The swim pace clock is designed to be used by swimmers and coaches to make structuring and measuring efforts that much easier. If you’re not familiar with this piece of equipment it can seem a little confusing! We are going to explain why it is so useful and how to make the most of it in your next swim session.

Whether you’ve ever used it or not, you’ve probably noticed a clock mounted on the wall at the side of the swimming pool that is not there to tell the time of day. This is a pace clock designed to be used by swimmers and coaches to make structuring and measuring efforts that much easier.

If you’re not familiar with this piece of equipment it can seem a little confusing. We are going to explain why it is so useful and how to make the most of it in your next swim session.

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Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

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Do you find using a pace clock easy or difficult? Let us know by leaving a comment? ⏱

[StardustLegacyFighter]

Smoother movement than most mechanical watches.

[TomBryanYeah]

It would be great if you could suggest some drills which utilise the clock into your training when you are not in a group.

[joseluisalvarado]

Where did you filmed the video? Seems really cool pool to go for a swimming!! Cheers!! 💪🏼

[PivotFirearms]

The clock at my local gym only has one hand! However, it's still very useful. My watch is too difficult to read while swimming and it puts me off my stroke when trying to look at it!

[jasonkrupp]

I've never seen a pace clock like that before. Colours are weird....

[peterparahuz]

do you swim clockwise within the lane in the uk? 2:44

[bruer]

What is a good freestyle time in a 33 metre pool ? Professional standard say!

[CreativeFilms]

I still don't get HOW to use it. You explained a gap of 5 or 10 seconds before swimmers but the hands of the clock has 15 secs gap. We've always used the 1 hand clock. I appreciate all the information but I still don't see why the clock has 4 hands separated by 15 secs.